Veterans are waiting for appointments at VA medical centers

Officials in charge of medical centers for U.S. veterans are considering health care options and flaws in their system. A recent audit found that 57,000 veterans have been waiting more than 90 days for an appointment.

Approximately 64,000 veterans found that they couldn’t get on the list for medical care. This is of great concern to the administration. Acting VA Secretary Sloan Gibson told The Washington Post, “This data shows the extent of the system problems we face, problems that demand immediate actions.”

One of the steps Gibson’s department is taking is hiring new workers at crowded clinics and other health care facilities. According to the Associated Press, their budget calls for $300 million over the next three months to make better health care options available to veterans. He said that VA officials have contacted 50,000 veterans to get them off waiting lists. Gibson will continue the difficult work of helping veterans get the care they need.

They are also looking at failing medical facilities. Richard Griffin, the VA’s acting inspector general, announced that he is in the process of investigating 69 VA medical facilities across the country. Some of their inquiries could involve criminal charges.